NEW YORK: Defending champion Novak Djokovic achieved his 90th win at the U.S. Open on Wednesday. He defeated fellow Serb Laslo Djere, who retired in the third set during their second-round match.

Djokovic, who has won the tournament four times and is chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title, was leading 6-4, 6-4, 2-0 when Djere retired.

Djere, ranked 109th, had required a medical timeout to address an injury just before losing the second set. Djokovic, 37, also needed treatment for what seemed to be a side strain after winning the first set.

Novak Djokovic’s Record Achievement

Djokovic, currently the world number two, is now the only player to have won 90 matches at all four Grand Slam tournaments.

“It’s disappointing to see a match end with a retirement. Laslo had an injury that kept him off the tour for a while, and he’s been struggling to come back,” Djokovic said.

“Laslo is a strong player in these conditions, and he was leading 4-2 in the second set. Maybe my winning the second set added pressure on him.”

Djokovic will face Australia’s Alexei Popyrin next. They have met twice this year, with Djokovic winning both encounters in four sets at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

Popyrin is in excellent form, having won the Montreal Masters just before the U.S. Open.

“Alexei is getting closer and is knocking on the door,” Djokovic remarked about the world number 28, who has reached the last 32 in New York for the third time.

“We always knew he had a strong serve, but now he’s more consistent and makes fewer mistakes. He’s playing some impressive tennis.”

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